$258,575Average Value$161Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes For Sale
The Grand Rapids of the Mississippi River
Named after the steady rapids of the Mississippi River, Grand Rapids dates back to northern Minnesota's earliest lumber settlements. The area was once a sprawling logging town, supplying timber to local furniture companies via steamboat. Today, modern residents and tourists have come to view the city as a haven for outdoor recreation and festivals. "People come here to fish, hike, boat and rent cabins in the summertime," says Kerry Larsen, business relations coordinator with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's beautiful and green for family reunions and weddings. It seems like everybody has somebody they know here, but some are just coming up to visit." While the city's signature river rapids are now calmed by a dam next to the UPM Blandin paper mill, the Mississippi remains the city's lifeblood.
Grand Rapids welcomes over 80.2 million visitors yearly.
The city of Grand Rapids was named after the steady rapids of the Mississippi River.
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Homeowners rent out for tourist season
Waterfront homes with private docks and lush foliage line the shores of the Mississippi River. Those surrounding the outskirts’ lakes only date back about 20 years. In the warmer months, homeowners can rent out their cabins and cottages to Grand Rapids tourists. “Summer and fall are always busy,” Larsen says. “Sometimes there’s a whole year where we don’t get a break, and we like it that way. It depends on how much snow and ice there is for snowmobiling and ice fishing.” Altogether, the median price in Grand Rapids is around $270,000—below the national average and nearby Duluth.
Homes and cabins line the shores of the Mississippi River and the area lakes in Grand Rapids.
Traditional ramblers and cabins are common home styles in Grand Rapids.
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Year-round recreation makes Grand Rapids a go-to for the outdoorsy
From the Mississippi River to its surrounding freshwater lakes, Grand Rapids offers a sweeping natural landscape. “The lakes are very popular; people go boating, pontooning and jet skiing, and a lot of them live on the water,” Larsen says. “The whole area is just fishing, bonfires and spending time with family. That’s what we look forward to in the summertime.” On land, over 100 miles of trails are paired with pickleball, golfing, and hockey at rinks like Grussendorf Park and Yanmar Arena. Though winter is the longest season in northern Minnesota, Larsen notes that residents and tourists still find ways to get outside. “We’re used to the long winters. If you’re outdoorsy, you can icefish and snowmobile,” she says. “Even in the fall, there’s hunting. That’s the thing about Grand Rapids: There’s something for every season.”
Grand Rapids residents and visitors can explore 150+ miles of paved trail paradise on MN's Mesabi Trail.
Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids is a hockey venue and accommodates roller skating, concerts and trade shows.
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From Jason Isbell to Shakey Graves on the banks of the Mississippi
Annual festivities are a big deal in Grand Rapids, especially when it comes to music. Campers set up tents at the Itasca County Fairgrounds each June for the Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival. In August, Tall Timber Days pays tribute to the region’s logging history with a parade, beer gardens and logging demonstrations. By September, folks from across the county gather on the banks of the Mississippi River for Grand Rapids Riverfest. The lively music festival has hosted the likes of Wilco, Jason Isbell and Shakey Graves.
Itasca County Fairgrounds is located on the north end of Grand Rapids and is the home of the annual June Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival.
Annual Grand Rapids festivals like the Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival, Tall Timber Days and Grand Rapids River Fest bring in locals and visitors from all over the state.
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Downtown Grand Rapids is a burgeoning marketplace
Downtown Grand Rapids is a hub for public art, breweries, galleries and boutiques. “Our downtown has been growing and coming to life because of the younger generation,” Larsen says. “We’ve had a lot of young people come back to live and open up businesses downtown.” She cites the Grand Rapids Farmer’s Market and the upcoming Free Range Food Co-Op on 1st Street as examples of new and growing developments. Generally, however, residents head south on Route 169, Voyager Highway, for Target, Walmart Supercenter and chain eateries like Culver’s.
Downtown Grand Rapids is a hub for public art and galleries.
Grand Rapids offers convenient big box shopping options along Highway 169.
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The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks rally local hockey fans
Students citywide attend Grand Rapids Public Schools. The district earns a B on Niche and encompasses the greater Cohasset and Big Fork areas. Grand Rapids Senior High School is home to the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks, a varsity hockey team with strong community ties. Residents often head to Yanmar Arena for games in support of the 17-time state championship contenders. The city is also home to Minnesota North College – Itasca, one of six community college campuses spread between Bemidji and Ely.
Over 1,125 students attend Grand Rapids Senior High School.
Grand Rapids is home to Minnesota North College – Itasca, one of six community college campuses in northern Minnesota.
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100 years UPM Paper Company is a century-old employer
The days of the city’s logging industries are long gone. But after a century’s worth of growth, the UPM Blandin paper mill situated on the river remains one of the largest employers in the area, along with Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and Grand Rapids Public Schools. Commuters rely on Routes 2 and 169, which intersect at the city’s heart. Both are reliable thoroughfares connecting to hubs like Hibbing and Duluth, 84 miles southeast. Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport is a public-use facility mainly catering to charter flights and aircraft rentals. Therefore, most fly out on carriers like Delta, United and Sun Country Airlines out of Duluth International Airport.
UPM Blandin Paper Mill is located in Grand Rapids along the Mississippi River and is one of the largest employers.
Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is a major local employer and provides convenient care for Grand Rapids residents.
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Crime statistics in Grand Rapids
According to FBI crime data, instances of violent and property crimes in Grand Rapids are below national averages. Since 2015, the department has implemented several initiatives, including operational changes and youth programming.
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On average, homes in Grand Rapids, MN sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Rapids, MN over the last 12 months is $270,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on 2.6 acres with 307 feet of shoreline on Little Splithand Lake, this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the space many buyers are searching for both inside and out. The refreshed kitchen opens to the dining area, where large windows bring in natural light and views toward the lake, while the spacious deck provides a great place to relax, entertain, or enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Beautiful home on nearly 47 acres on McAvity Lake, just north of Grand Rapids, MN in the heart of Itasca County. This home offers west facing views and wonderful end of the road privacy. For comfort and convenience, all living facilities are on the main floor. Along with many updates, features of the home include hardwood oak floors, 3 baths, screened lakeside porch, master suite and main floor
Build your dream home on these two beautifully wooded lots, being sold together!Towering Norway pines create a peaceful setting, while two nicely cleared areas provide a great head start for your building plans. Conveniently located near the sports complex, school, lake, snowmobile trail, and fairgrounds, this property offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility.
Unit 31 in CIC 25 Natureview Townhomes, minutes to Grand Rapids. 2 BR 1 3/4 bath unithas had many updates including roof and septic (2022), siding in 2023, new flooring, kitchen backsplash, bath and more (2026)! Single level Quad-Plex with attached garage at end of drive.
Adorable three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home on beautiful Prairie Lake featuring hickory cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a stunning stone fireplace in the living room. Enjoy lake views from the inviting three-season porch. The main floor offers a convenient bedroom and full bath, while the upper level features a loft area and two additional bedrooms, including one with an attached
This building has been used as a church and school and still is a church, which could be continued. The City of Grand Rapids has said the building may be a candidate for a zoning change to Multi-family contact City Engineer. There is lots of room and I believe qualifies for up to two residential units right now. A family has lived there in the past but would need some remodeling now with plumbing
Hard-to-find acreage right in town! This 4+ bedroom, 2.75 bath La Prairie home sits on 15 beautiful acres with 845 feet of Prairie River frontage—offering the perfect mix of privacy, space, and convenience. Enjoy easy one-level living with a spacious open layout, oversized bedrooms, a great primary suite, and a four-season porch to take in the views. Need extra space? The bonus room works
Fall in love with this completely renovated 4-bedroom, 4-bath home on over 3 acres in the highly desirable southwest location on Golf Course Road. Just across the street from Pokegama Golf Course and less than a mile from the public boat access, this turnkey property offers the perfect blend of style, space, and location.Inside, you'll find a brand-new kitchen, brand new bathrooms, fresh
Prime lot available in a central Grand Rapids location. High traffic area and easy access are ideal for your business location. Neighboring lots are also available.
Nestled on beautiful Splithand Lake, this clean and well maintained 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and year round recreation. Ideal as a cabin retreat, full time residence, or weekend getaway, this property delivers easy lake living in a highly desirable setting.Inside, you’ll find modern updates, a cozy fireplace, main floor laundry, and an
Welcome Home! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers lake access with a shared private beach, boat landing, kids play area and an area for outdoor picnics. This home offers all the benefits of being on the lake without the lake taxes. This home is conveniently located close to town, schools, hospital and recreational trails. The property features a beautiful updated kitchen with
Capturing the Up North lifestyle with modern flair, this custom built barndominium hosts 2+ bedrooms, 3 bathrooms— all tucked away on a secluded 2.5 acre wooded lot just a stone’s throw from Pokegama Lake. Surrounded by mature trees, the property provides seclusion and a true northwoods feel — whether you're relaxing on the new stamped concrete patio area or planning your next lake day. The main
Efficiency, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units. All security deposits are $1,000. Efficiency rent at $785, 1 bedroom rent at $905 - utilities included. 2 bedroom rent at $975, utilities not included OR $1,175, utilities included. No smoking allowed, no pets allowed.
Discover your perfect home at Riverview Apartments — a brand-new building offering modern living and exceptional comfort, opening June 1, 2026.Welcome to Riverview Apartments, Grand Rapids’ newest destination for modern comfort and convenience. Riverview offers a variety of stylish floor plans, from efficient studios to spacious 3-bedroom units, designed to suit every
MONTH TO MONTH LEASING NEWLY REMODELED 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment in town in a quiet building. INDIVIDUAL GARAGE stalls INCLUDED in rent price. Unit rent includes heat, sewer, water, trash collection. Individual air conditioning in each unit and shared laundry in the building. Building sits within a wooden backdrop and hills creating a peaceful surrounding to view from units. Birchwood Apartments
1 or 2 Bed 1 Bath Unit In town Grand Rapids Includes city sewer, water, heat, and trash collection. Unit features include bar top counter patio dishwasher vinyl flooring in kitchen and dining newer building with modern finishes. Laundry room on each floor, Secure Entry and on/off street parking available.Lakewood Heights Apartments consists of three separate buildings in a beautiful
Ideal location right in central Grand Rapids! Washer and Dryer are included and located in the unit. Large spacious kitchen and living room. 1 bed 1 bath in the lower level of a Triplex, off street parking, individual mailbox, quiet and private yard and close to everything Grand Rapids. Rent is $1,025 per month + Electric. Rent includes lawn/snow/water/trash/heatTo apply,
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